2013 Mercedes-Benz M Class vs. Its Competition
What’s this?
2014 Fiat 500L: Stylish, Room For Five, Starts Below $20,000
Considering the Kia Soul, MINI Countryman, or Nissan Juke? You might want to hold out another few... Read More
- #2LEADERBOARD RANK
- 2662ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
- 108COMMENTS POSTED
While original Mercedes-Benz M Class was a luxury-SUV forerunner back in 1998, the market sure has changed since then.
Even though the market has become less focused on off-roading and more focused on interior appointments, comfort, and technology, most of these vehicle still offering some level of trail ability.
The Lexus RX 350 is the only one that doesn't take aim at off-roading in any form; it's essentially a tall luxury wagon, but supremely comfortable inside.
BMW's latest X5 lives up to that automaker's reputation for handling, and its interior is now significantly upgraded, but its ride quality is still a potential issue.
The Audi Q7 is a standout for design and interior comfort, and it does offer a third row.
The MDX is an aging design, and one of the less overtly styled vehicles here, but it offers surprisingly good handling and performance along with the great interior versatility that Honda offers in its Pilot.
The latest Jeep Grand Cherokee rides and handles nearly as well as the M Class (it is after all related), and it costs less.
Against most of these models, though, the M Class has the advantage in active-safety features.
 2013 Mercedes-Benz M ClassGet FREE Price Quote |  2013 Audi Q7Get FREE Price Quote |  2013 BMW X5Get FREE Price Quote |  2013 Jeep Grand CherokeeGet FREE Price Quote |  2013 Lexus RX 350Get FREE Price Quote |  2012 Acura MDXGet FREE Price Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Specs | |||||
| Meta Rating | |||||
For families who want off-road or towing ability, but not a third row of seats, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz M Class is one of the most enjoyable, secure utility-vehicle picks. | The 2013 Audi Q7 is a premium, lavishly-appointed three-row utility vehicle with great on-road manners and capability, plus towing ability--without the off-road style or pretense. | While it's not as fresh-faced as some of the competition, the 2013 BMW X5 continues to shine in utility, comfort, driving, and, in the X5 M, shockingly high performance. | The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee blurs the SUV-crossover line expertly; better transmissions are at the top of the wish list. | The 2013 Lexus RX is plush and premium, and it delivers on that luxury impression, but it's not the over-the-top lavish expression some might seek. | The 2012 Acura MDX is not just comfortable and family-friendly; it's one of the most enjoyable three-row crossovers to drive. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $47,270 | $46,800 | $47,500 | $27,695 | $39,660 | $43,030 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 13 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 14 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 12 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas V6 | Supercharged Gas V6 | Turbocharged Gas I6 | Gas/Ethanol V6 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Style Name | |||||
| RWD 4-Door ML350 | quattro 4-Door 3.0T Premium | AWD 4-Door 35i | RWD 4-Door Laredo | FWD 4-Door | AWD 4-Door |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | Sport Utility | Sport Utility Vehicle | 4 Door |
| Transmission | |||||
| Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
More From High Gear Media
